It had been a week since Deneve had woken, and her fever finally broke three days later, but Kayal kept Deneve in his private rooms. He had slept in an adjoining room, leaving her with his bed. Even a fallen Prince seemed to have privileges and luxuries everyday folks didn’t.

They were sharing dinner when Deneve asked, “What are your plans for Valencia once you take over anyway?”

“I’m not sure exactly, but our family slaughtered the Aakman Tribe, and they were here long before we were. As was the Kabua Tribe which are no more.” Kayal said dreamily. “Those civilizations know more about Valencia than our modern Astrologists could ever divine. I want to make Valencia safe for their ancestors. I’ve seen how the less fortunate are treated. I thank Barhan for showing me what life is like outside of the palace. I don’t have all the answers, but something needs to change. When I figure it out, I will overthrow my father.”

“And what of your agreements with the other lands?” Deneve asked.

“I don’t know,” Kayal said honestly, “Are you asking on behalf of your family?”

“I am,” Deneve said. “I wouldn’t be good, Princess, if I didn’t. Besides, I care about Bareeds.”

Kayal smiled. “I can tell he’s like your little brother. I’ll consider what you said.” He pushed his plate away and, picking up his wine, turned toward her to say something else when there was a knock at the door.

Deneve raised an eyebrow at Kayal, who shook his head. “Come in.”

It wasn’t one person who entered as they expected. A bunch of Kayal’s men entered the room. “We needed to talk to you and to see for ourselves.”

“What’s going on?” Kayal asked calmly. He was too calm, and that was Deneve’s first clue that something was off.

“You see, sir, some of the men….” One man started to say, but he was interrupted by another. “That woman is Barhan Nesser’s fiancée. I was in the city, and that fool Manmehan called out to her. I ran over to see with everyone else.”

“She belongs to the royal family, and she should die to send them a message!”

Kayal stood up, “It’s true. I believe her appearance here was an accident. She agreed to help us.”

“I think you trust too much, Kayal,” another man brandished his sword.

Kayal pushed Deneve behind. Him his loyal guards surrounded them. Deneve was forgotten in the shouting as the tension grew. She gently tapped Kayal on the arm. “Allow me.”

Kayal shook his head, and the clamor continued, but a few moments later, a deafening roar stunned them into silence, and everyone’s eyes were on Deneve.

“I’m not as unarmed as you would like to think I am,” Deneve announced as the skeleton king appeared alongside Garzar. Then her other summons joined them, each making the men who were intent on killing her and Kayal step back with fear. “I am well able to take care of myself,” She looked over at Kayal, who was shaking his head in disbelief, and smiled. “Except when I fall ill.”

“Yes, I am technically engaged to Prince Barhan.” Deneve admitted, “But that does not mean I agree with everything the Royal Family does. It’s merely a political move. The fact that I stayed when I could have left any time I wanted to should prove that fact alone.”

“What do you mean you could have left?” Kayal asked.

Deneve teleported from in front of him to beside him. “I have quite a range on that trick. At first, I was too sick, but I could have left days ago if I was so inclined.”

“She’s not human,” One man muttered.

Kayal smirked, “She is quite human but different from us.”

Deneve blushed. Of course, he was the one who changed her clothing. “As far as the Royal family goes, they sent me to die for them. I will not interfere with your plans. I am Princess of Mediah, and it’s none of my business. I will, however, ask that you take the citizens into account as they will be stuck in the middle of your dispute.”

Kayal stepped forward. “Now, do you still feel the need to kill his woman?” No one stepped forward. Instead, the men shuffled out of the room with apologetic mutters. “I warned you they are a bloodthirsty bunch.”

“It’s fine,” Deneve replied. “It wouldn’t have been the first time I killed people.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Kayal asked.

Deneve smiled, “A girls gotta have her secrets. Besides, did you trust me with anything?”

“Humph,” Kayal pouted, “Well, at least I know all those tattooed stars are in the right places.”